Letters to the editor more

In a talk about the importance and symbolism of Chanukah and its ties to the Jewish home, Rabbi Zev Leff of Moshav Matityahu exhorted listeners to think, “I’m important because Hashem made me important and I have the responsibility to bring light outside to others. The Jewish home inspires us and inspires us to inspire others.” more

Fulfilling a desire to be there for people in their time of need, Lawrence resident Rabbi Elozer Kanner, has served as a volunteer for Hatzalah of the Rockaways and Nassau County for26 years,. Along with fellow coordinators Louis Wolcowitz and Mark Gross, Rabbi Kanner’s most recent campaign is aimed at delivering the message that “They (Hatzalah) were there for me when I called them, they’re there for me even when I don’t need them. Rabbi Kanner points out that the potential for need is greater than actuality in every circumstance. more

When Israeli naval commandos intercepted the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla” in May 2010, worldwide condemnation was swift. Reacting to the news, 5WPR executive Ronn Torossian called his contacts at the Israeli Ministry of foreign affairs. “Public relations shakes minds and builds brands. It took two days for the IDF to release a video of the raid in a world of blogging and tweeting,” Torossian said. “Israel has to do more to help itself.” more

Every last seat was occupied in the Young Israel of West Hempstead kiddush room on Dec. 18. The enraptured audience laughed and nodded their heads as they learned of one woman’s path to observant Judaism. Actress Mayim Bialik isn’t really a socially inept nerd… she only plays one on television. more

On an unusually cold night on Dec. 18, in the fields of Islip, a television production studio was rocking a mix of Yiddish classics, reggae and a bagpiper for Rabbi Anchelle Perl, highlighting the numerous causes in which he has sunk his efforts. “It’s an unbelievably huge undertaking,” said musical director Steve Bill. “It’s filling up four hours of broadcast time live and motivating people to pledge” more

I begin this essay with the following little known episode that is truly a Chanukah themed saga. Rabbi Elchanan Samet of Yeshivat Har Etzion in his study on the Book of Psalms writes, “In Natan Sharansky’s book, “Fear No Evil” [Public Affairs, 1998], the book of Tehillim plays an important role in the account of the difficult years of his imprisonment until his release.” more

Chanukah Chesed If you walked into DRS this past week, you would have noticed Chanukah preparations in full swing. Exciting flyers detail all of the exciting student activities that are scheduled to take place over Chanukah. These events include a toy drive for Ohel families, nursing home visits, raffles for the Ossie Schoenfeld Memorial Fund, a Chinese auction to benefit Od Yosef Chai, and a Chanukah party for local public school kids. more

HAFTR offers over 50 student clubs, sports teams and publications that help members develop interests in various fields that could serve as their future careers. more

Dear Aviva, I’m pretty disappointed with a lot of people. I was raised in a Zionistic family, attended Zionist schools and have actually practiced what they all preached. I made aliyah two years ago after completing Shana Bet here in Israel. I’m here because I was taught that this is where a Jew belongs. I am making sacrifices to be here. None of my American teachers who’ve instilled these values in me have moved here, and my family has yet to emigrate. I’m happy to be living here, but at the same time I’m really mad at the hypocrisy that I was exposed to. more